Built according to the plans of architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, the Kurhaus Baden-Baden opened its doors in the summer of 1824. With its memorable classicist columned front, it symbolises the city like no other building and has provided the setting for glamorous balls, concerts, galas and many other events for 200 years. The most prominent artists have performed here, and heads of state, politicians and diplomats have come and gone. However, the Kurhaus has always been associated with gambling.
The French tenants of the casino, Jean Jacques Bénazet and his son Édouard, not only attracted an international audience to Baden-Baden in the 19th century, but also created the appropriate backdrop in what was then the Konversationshaus: the historicist state rooms, which are now one of Baden-Baden's special sights.
The history of the Kurhaus is also a reflection of the eventful European history of the last two centuries with all its political and social upheavals and changes. The building has undergone numerous, sometimes far-reaching structural changes, which were orientated towards the tastes of the time.
Today, a colourful and sometimes illustrious clientele frequents the Kurhaus. It was and is the centre of social life in Baden-Baden - ‘the place to be’.
